Tropical Depression Nine (Imelda) News Release #2
City moves to OPCON 3; Stands up Emergency response
SAVANNAH – Based on the potential for impact from Tropical Depression Nine (Imelda), the City of Savannah moved to Operating Condition (OPCON) 3, the Alert and Strategic Planning Stage on Saturday.
According to the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, OPCON 3 represents a significant elevation of a threat posed by a tropical cyclone to the City within the next 72 hours. City preparedness and response operations begin moving forward in this phase including activation of staff.
According to the latest information from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Depression Nine is forecasted to strengthen significantly in the next few days. The center of the storm is approximately 755 miles from Savannah. Savannah is currently not under any watches or warnings. Forecasted impacts locally include the potential for 4 to 6 inches of rain and a 15% chance of tropical storm-force winds.
Savannah residents and businesses are encouraged to monitor the storm and official City channels for updates over the weekend and sign up for alerts from Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA). Additionally, residents should take precautions to protect property, and review emergency plans and kits.
The City of Savannah’s Sanitation Department urges residents to secure their carts and any loose debris or items that could become projectiles in high winds ahead of the storm.
Sandbags will be available to residents and business owners on Saturday, Sept. 27, until 4 p.m., and on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last. Each household is limited to five bags. Residents should bring their own shovels to fill bags at Enmarket Arena Parking Lot (630 Stiles Ave.) and Savannah Fire Station #7 (6902 Sallie Mood Dr.).
The latest updates from the City, and more information about preparedness, can be found at savannahga.gov/hurricane.
For questions about City services or to submit a service request, residents can call 311. Service requests can also be submitted online at savannahga.gov/311request. To sign up for City of Savannah RAVE alerts visitsavannahga.gov/ravealert. To sign up for CEMA alerts visitchathamemergency.org.
For updates specific to the City of Savannah, residents are encouraged to follow @cityofsavannah on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
# # #